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PKSD partner Jeff Pitman has been representing nursing home neglect victims and their families for decades, securing millions in compensation. Back in 2010, he was interviewed by The New York Times about the dangers of bed rails, as he was representing the family and estate of a resident who died after his neck got trapped between the mattress and bed rail.
The resident, Harry Griph Sr., was found dead in an assisted living facility in Brookfield, Wisconsin. A staff member discovered Mr. Griph on Christmas morning in 2004.
The 75-year-old was a hospice patient who had been diagnosed with failure to thrive. This diagnosis is often given to people who are nearing the end of their lives.
Mr. Griph’s family hired Pitman, who filed a lawsuit on their behalf against the hospice organization, the company that made the bed and the vendor that provided the bed. Those parties agreed to settle but did not admit liability. The lawsuit against the assisted living facility was scheduled for trial in August of 2010.
The lawyer for the facility stated that the facility had provided adequate care. However, Pitman said, “Almost all health care providers as of 2004 were aware of the entrapment danger posed by bed rails, because an F.D.A. warning came out in 1995.”
Pitman also noted Wisconsin issued an alert about bed rail dangers in September 1999.
Pitman said that no one “at the end of life should have to die in this manner.”
The article also includes several quotes from a geriatrician and bioethicist about the problems with bed rails. He noted there is a significant risk of getting stuck between the rails and mattress.
Are you unsure where to turn for legal assistance?
PKSD has been fighting for injured residents and their families for decades. We have obtained millions in compensation on behalf of our clients in a variety of cases. We are deeply committed to holding nursing homes accountable for harm to the residents in their care.
Whether your loved one was at a facility in Wisconsin, Iowa or New Mexico, our nursing home abuse lawyers may be able to help. An initial consultation is free and there are no upfront costs with our services.
Contact PKSD today to learn more: 414-333-3333.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Jeffery A. Pitman, who has more than 28 years of legal experience and handled thousands of personal injury cases while obtaining millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in Wisconsin.
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PKSD is a Milwaukee personal injury law firm dedicated to helping injured individuals. We take a hands-on, client-focused approach and work closely with the people we represent from start to finish. We are committed to providing responsive service and strong legal advocacy when it matters most.
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